Chapter 2154: Six-Hour Countdown
One or two people in the vast 008 District were like specks of dust, inconspicuous no matter where they were placed. The same went for wanted criminals. However, this time, Dou Shengnan's timing was too coincidental, occurring precisely when the Tian Clan's every action was being magnified. It was hard not to attract attention. Given the Eerie Sound Knights' style, even those without grudges found them insufferable, let alone those with grievances. As luck would have it, they had enemies in the 008 District.
The leader of "Spring Thunder," a well-known player organization from another station city, was sitting in the municipal government's meeting room. This middle-aged man ignored the mayor sitting across from him, instead staring at the metal box placed before him. The box wasn't open, but the man's gaze seemed to pierce through the lid to see its contents, radiating a chilling aura from his eyes to his entire body.
The mayor was a slightly chubby little old man. He wasn't intimidated by the imposing man and instead sighed. "President Chi, I deeply regret what happened to your brother, but starting a war here is absolutely out of the question. Do you know how many people are in a station city? Players can protect themselves, but what about the ordinary people?"
"My people can force Dou Shengnan out of the city," President Chi said in a deep, rumbling voice, laying out his plan. "We just need your city to open three blockades. It absolutely won't affect ordinary people."
The fat old man pulled a strand of hair from his thick locks. "Can you guarantee that? Can Dou Shengnan guarantee it? What do you think is keeping her from leaving the city now?"
Dou Shengnan's signature technique was legendary. She might have unknowingly influenced many people the moment she entered the city. If a fight broke out, what if citizens lined up to commit suicide in front of them?
"Then you should ask the Tian Clan," President Chi said, shifting his gaze to the man sitting on the other side of the room. "What deal did the Tian Clan make with the Eerie Sound Knights?"
This matter wasn't honorable. The Tian Clan representative today wasn't their true leader, but his brother, Tian Benji. This man had a kind face; even without a smile, he seemed easy to deal with. And indeed, his opening words confirmed that impression. "The clan head is away and hasn't returned yet. I don't usually pay much attention to family affairs, but the younger generation is sensible. They would never have any involvement with the Eerie Sound Knights. It's like this when you're open for business—unwelcome guests show up, and you can't get rid of them even if you want to. Yesterday, Dou Shengnan killed one of my nephews... Sigh, it's not that our Tian Clan can't afford to offend the Eerie Sound Knights, but given the current situation, if we make a move, outsiders might speculate that we have some connection with Dou Shengnan."
"I support President Chi's idea. Not just me, I believe the clan head thinks the same way."
His words sounded nice, as if the Tian Clan were victims caught in a dilemma. However, the expressions of the few people present didn't change at all. They completely disregarded him. The mayor kept running his fingers through his hair, while President Chi rested one hand on the metal box, seemingly considering whether to open the lid.
After a moment, Yang Chong, sitting across from Tian Benji, finally spoke. "With the Tian Clan's strength, they could easily trap Dou Shengnan in the hotel. Why be so modest, Mr. Tian? If the Tian Clan takes on this trouble, it would save President Chi and our Enforcement Team the trip."
Tian Benji maintained his agreeable yet indecisive demeanor, repeatedly waving his hand. "No, no, that won't do. Business has been tough in recent years. Many players have been sent to other districts. Besides, this matter concerns the safety of the entire city. The Tian Clan truly doesn't dare to shoulder that responsibility."
President Chi let out a silent, cold laugh, then said, "No need to rush to push things away. I won't trouble your Tian Clan either. Just don't cause me any trouble when the time comes."
Tian Benji hastily agreed, adding that if the hotel suffered any losses, they would cover it themselves.
Yang Chong disliked the Tian Clan and was even more dissatisfied with their hypocritical and pretentious facade. He turned to the mayor and suggested, "This trouble was caused by the Tian Clan. Why not let them handle it? At the very least, make them get Dou Shengnan out of the city."
The mayor's eyes lit up as if he had heard a brilliant strategy, and he looked at Tian Benji expectantly. "Whether you coax her or trick her, just get her out, right?"
"Mayor, it's not that I don't want to, but it's truly difficult to accomplish," Tian Benji said with a bitter smile. "Our family has already lost a child and still can't deal with her. Demolishing one or two hotels is a minor matter. What I fear is implicating others."
Hearing this, a vein bulged on Yang Chong's forehead. It took him several seconds to swallow his retort, and he insisted, "Whoever caused the trouble should be responsible."
"Captain Yang, that's not how it's said," Tian Benji rambled on. "If everyone had that kind of 'look out for number one' mentality, how could the 008 District have achieved its current prosperity? When facing any problem, especially external ones, we should be united. We're here today to discuss a solution. Finding a suitable plan that satisfies everyone is the priority. Shifting responsibility to one party—does that solve the problem?"
He paused and glanced at President Chi. "Actually, this matter is simple. Dou Shengnan can't stay in the 008 District forever."
In other words, when wouldn't it be possible to kill her?
This time, President Chi let out an audible cold laugh. "Don't worry. After I deal with Dou Shengnan, it'll be your Tian Clan's turn. You think killing a few ordinary people means no one can touch you?"
Tian Benji's expression changed slightly, and he finally showed a bit of backbone. "President Chi, this is unhelpful. As I said, our Tian Clan is willing to provide assistance."
Round and round it went, the ball was back in the mayor's court.
The mayor was also helpless. The moment President Chi appeared, he had already arranged for personnel to blockade the hotel's surroundings, fearing someone might lose control and start a fight. But agreeing to set the battlefield in the city center? Absolutely not.
"Why make things difficult for the mayor?" Yang Chong said again. "When it comes to external enemies, the 008 District naturally has nothing to say. But endlessly cleaning up after and covering for parasites? No way!"
He threw out those two resounding words, and Tian Benji stopped trying to deflect the issue. Instead, he said, "We will follow the municipal government's arrangements."
This attitude ignited Yang Chong's fury. He struck the metal table in front of him, smashing it to pieces, and stared at the man across from him with a murderous gaze.
Everyone in the room feared he might attack. The mayor was so nervous he pulled out a few strands of hair. Just then, the meeting room door opened. A long-haired woman in a red trench coat, accompanied by two uniformed players, strode in.
Her appearance not only made Yang Chong rein in his anger but also caused everyone in the room except President Chi to stand up.
"General Zhuo," the mayor greeted her personally. "I didn't expect you to be back already. I just reported the matter to the military district. I thought they would send someone else..."
General Zhuo raised her hand to cut him off, looking at the still-seated President Chi. "I am aware of your request."
"In my capacity as the First General of the 22nd Military District of the 008 District, I approve your request. The player organization Spring Thunder may conduct an urban operation under the guise of a military exercise. The countdown is six hours."